Ireland: Chambers Ireland’s Ratepayers and Local Government Policy Council has welcomed the publication of the report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group, noting that if implemented quickly, many of the recommendations could deliver much needed savings to local authorities.
Hilary Haydon, Ratepayers and Local Government Council Chair said, “Restructuring the system of Local Government in Ireland provides a real opportunity to introduce new and more efficient ways of providing local services. Whilst much of this will require further examination through the White Paper on Local Government, today’s report provides the first steps to achieving this change.”
Business as Funder of Last Resort
“We note that if implemented in their entirety, the reforms outlined by the Review Group would result in savings of in the region of €511 million. Given that business has been the funder of ‘last resort’ for many local authorities, it follows that a significant amount of the cost savings achieved must be passed back to businesses in the form of reduced rates and other charges.”
Integrated Service Delivery
“Chambers Ireland has long held the view that the adoption of an integrated approach to service delivery combined with ensuring sufficient scale of administrative oversight could deliver much needed savings for local authorities while also ensuring that front line services are maintained for all users. The recommendations outlined in the Report provide a roadmap to achieving this,” he continued.
Continue to Build on the User Pays Principle
“The case for introducing water charges for all service users was made clear at the beginning of 2010 when many local authorities were forced to reduce water pressure and in some cases stop supplies due to critically low reservoir levels. The Minister must act now to introduce water meters, for all users, so that all usage can be accounted for.”
“The savings outlined in the report have the potential to help reduce the burden on local government funders, of which business is the largest. Speedy implementation of the recommendations is therefore vital,” Haydon concluded.
Source: http://www.chambers.ie/article.php?newsid=677
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